Will a behind-the-scenes spin-off of Doctor Who air on BBC Three to accompany the franchise’s 60th anniversary, and Ncuti Gatwa’s era as the Doctor? That’s the latest product of the rumour mill. And while we often pour scorn on such speculation, this is something we can very well believe to be true.
Though it might be called something else, this would essentially be a revival of Doctor Who Confidential, the series which took viewers behind the camera from Series 1 all the way up to the end of Series 6. That’s when then-controller of BBC Three, Zai Bennett (current director of Sky Atlantic) cancelled it.
Of course, then-showrunner Russell T Davies is back as showrunner after Chris Chibnall’s departure, and he is reportedly looking into expanding the Whoniverse — which would fit in with rumours of Confidential‘s return.
While nothing has been confirmed, current BBC Three controller Fiona Campbell teased that there are “potentially very exciting things under discussion” in relation to Doctor Who‘s relationship with the channel.
An unnamed “source” told The Mirror:
“Russell is aware that Doctor Who fans can never get enough content when it comes to the show and how it is made, with David and Catherine making a sensational return to the show, he thought the time was right to bring back a behind-the-scenes show which will document their comebacks and show how the special was made.”
Back in 2012, I actually asked Matt Smith about what it’s like filming Doctor Who without Confidential on set too; he briefly replied, “Oh, it’s a shame! Bring Confidential back, universe…!” (You can read more in our exclusive interview with the Eleventh Doctor.)
Personally, I’d love to see the spin-off back — it’s one of the reasons I want to write for TV, making that industry more accessible and understandable than ever before — but what do you think, DWC readers?